While hearing aids provide enormous benefit for people with hearing loss, there are some listening environments where hearing aids alone aren’t enough. In these situations, assistive listening devices (ALDs) can be useful to help you hear and communicate your best. Below is an overview of some of today’s most popular assistive listening devices.
Amplified Phones
Talking on the phone is a notoriously difficult task for people with hearing loss. While many models of hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled – meaning they can be used like a headset for your phone – many are not. Amplified phones, on the other hand, do not require hearing aids to be used. They amplify volume loud enough for you to hear without causing distortion, even for high-pitch sounds. Ringtones are also amplified so you never miss a call.
Television ALDs
If you have difficulty hearing the TV, you may be tempted to crank up the volume, but this often results in distorted sound and irritated family members. Instead, television ALDs can help you hear better, with or without your hearing aids. TV Ears, for example, are popular and inexpensive devices that transmit audio directly from your TV into a headset you can wear to hear better.
FM Systems
FM systems are not new, but they are dependable and effective. They are commonly used in classrooms or public events. FM systems consist of a transmitter microphone that is placed in front of the speaker and a receiver used by the hearing aid wearer. The system works to ensure speech signal is delivered evenly to both hearing aids; some models block out background noise, as well.
Alerting Devices
When your hearing is poor, your safety is compromised, especially at night when you are not wearing your hearing aids. Alerting devices empower you to be aware of what’s going on around you at all times. They rely on a combination of amplified sound, visual cues and vibrations to keep you alert. Some examples include:
- Vibrating alarm clocks
- Doorbells that use flashing lights
- Flashing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Learn More About Hearing Loss
- Hearing Regulations in the Workplace
- Got Diabetes? Get a Hearing Test
- Chemicals That Can Harm Your Hearing
Call LeMay Hearing & Balance at (775) 323-5566 for more information or to schedule an appointment.